How else can we improve?

I have been asked by several people to post a note of the response from Kings Park Community Council (KPCC) to these proposals. Although we do our best to represent the views of local residents (that is our statutory responsibility) we appreciate that not everyone will agree with every thing we say. However we do our best, and below is a summary of our agreed position as expressed to SC on March 2nd. "I promised to update you following tonight's meeting of KPCC. We discussed the College cycleway route proposals at length and I have to report unanimous opposition to the proposals as they stand. After our initial meeting in Feb 2019 we were enthusiastic about the development of a cycleway and improved streetscape along Dumbarton Rd and Albert Place, but the new proposals now before us bear no relation to the original plans, which incorporated a segregated cycleway and preservation of a two way vehicular road as at present. I will briefly enumerate our objections. 1. Even allowing for the hoped for "modal change" in transport towards cycling, wheeling and walking this road will remain the main access from the west into the City - there is no viable alternative without virtually circumnavigating the city, and clogging up many other roads. Our main tourist attraction (the Castle) brings in many thousands of visitors, not to mention Top of the Town residents and shoppers heading for the Thistle Centre - all use the Albert Place/Dumbarton Rd route. 2. It is not a much used cycle route at present - I counted two hundred cars and vans without seeing a single cyclist. I accept it is hoped this will change by providing the infrastructure. There are many much used cycle routes in need of upgrading. 3. Diverting this traffic around Queens Rd, Victoria Place, the dangerous double mini roundabout at the Park gates, and on to Drummond Place and Snowden Place will threaten the safety of this route for cyclists and pedestrians and particularly children, all of whom are much more numerous around the Park than in Albert Place. 4. We absolutely do not accept that a shared space for cyclists and cars is safe, particularly for children. This is a school route and any cycle way provided must be segregated. I was surprised that this point, which was strongly made at the Working Group Teams, did not feature more prominently in your summary of that meeting. 5. The "bus gate" proposals are difficult to understand in view of the minimal bus traffic here, and would create chaos at the Allan Park junction. 6. You have stated repeatedly that this project is independent of, and unrelated to, the VLR. As you know there is massive community opposition to this absurd proposal. Where does the diverted traffic go when it reaches the end of Snowden Place? I am not even beginning to address the problems for east to west traffic. 7. If it is not possible for space reasons to have a segregated cycleway then the scheme in our view is unacceptable, and an alternative should be sought (see below). 8. And there is an obvious alternative, which would also be a lot cheaper. The first part of the University route could easily double up as the first part of the College route, as far as the Clocktower. After this the route would split, with the College route going along Drip Rd -where much of the infrastructure is already in place. This would be shorter, cheaper and much less disruptive. This would provide the link from City to College but would not address the need for streetscape improvement and safe cycling in Dumbarton Rd/Albert Place which we would be keen to consider with you. I hope you will take these points on board and look forward to our next Teams meeting on Thursday. Yours Sincerely Bill Dr William Ruddell Chairman, Kings Park Community Council " KPCC have of course also been active in opposing the ridiculous VLR and for anyone interested I would be happy to post a summary of our objections and alternative proposals to this nonsense.

I walk and cycle around Stirling everyday and actually the Viewforth proposal would really benefit me. I can't remember if it will have cycle lanes or cycle path but that would be ideal. Increasing traffic on queen's Road (if I understand correctly you wish to redirect traffic away from Albert Place? ) would be catastrophic given the proximity to a park that attracts families children cyclists skateboarders.